HB 1618 Summary

• Transfers Benefits Administration: Transfers all duties and powers for managing state employee health, dental, life, and disability insurance from the Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Board and Office of Management and Enterprise Services to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

• Abolishes Existing Boards: Abolishes the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board, Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council, and the Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Board.

• Creates New Board Structure: Establishes a 7-member Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Board to oversee the program, with members appointed by the Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

• Maintains Benefit Programs: Continues existing health, dental, life insurance, disability programs, and flexible benefits plans under the same terms and conditions, with the Health Care Authority assuming administrative and fiduciary responsibilities.

• Effective Date: Act becomes effective November 1, 2015, with working group required to study plan structure and submit recommendations to Legislature and Governor by December 31, 2015.